Nairobi News

A Senate committee investigating the grim Shakahola massacre was on Saturday due to visit the site of the mass graves where more than 237 bodies have so far been exhumed.

Led by Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana, the committee is delving into possible security lapses that led to this mass demise.

“Our task is not just about uncovering the truth behind this horrifying event, but also about ensuring the safety of our citizens in future,” Senator Mungatana said during a meeting with county officials in Malindi.

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In its pursuit of answers, the committee has engaged key figures, including Attorney General Justin Muturi, who said, during a meeting, that both Paul Mackenzie, the leader of Good News International Church and Pastor Ezekiel Odero of New Life Church have violated the Societies Act.

The two churches have been served a 30-day notice, to justify why their organizations should not be shut down.

Muturi expressed his concerns about current legislation and budgetary constraints hindering government efforts to effectively regulate religious entities.

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“Our current Societies Act is not fit for purpose – it is outdated and unable to cope with contemporary challenges. “The dearth of funding for my office hampers our ability to monitor religious organizations at the county level, where the real impact is felt,” he said.

The Attorney General has also called on Parliament to seize this tragic event as an impetus to repeal and update the law.

“Our tragedy today should be the catalyst for change tomorrow,” he said.

In the meantime, the grim task of exhuming the victims has been temporarily halted to prepare for the second phase of post-mortem examinations, set to commence next Wednesday.

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